Growing Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 43°F and 70°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 3 - 4 inches apart
  • Harvest in 17-20 weeks. Best flavour if harvested after a frost..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Swiss Chard (Silverbeet), Capsicum, Peas, Potatoes, Beans, Radishes, Garlic
  • Avoid growing close to: Carrot, Celery, Brassicas
  • A freshly dug parsnip
  • Parsnip leaves

Best grown in deep sandy, loamy soil. Use fresh seed and soak seed overnight then, after planting, keep seeds moist until seed germinate. Similar to starting carrots, maybe cover with a wooden plank or mulch until seeds germinate. They will completely fail if the seed dries out after planting and it's not unusual to have an entire packet fail. Difficult to grow in summer as the seed dries out fast and won't germinate. Leave in the ground until after frost or at least a couple of weeks of really cold weather. The cold results in the starch in the roots being converted into sugars which give the parsnip its sweet taste. Use a spade to dig the parsnip out of the ground.

Germination rates of parsnip seed are not great so sow about 3 seeds per inch and at a depth of around half an inch. Germination may take up to 20 days. Thin seedlings down so they are about 8 cm (4 in) apart. If you are planting in rows then space the rows about 50 cm (20 in) apart.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Parsnip

Peel and roast with vegetables or meat. The sweetish flavour of parsnips enhances most other vegetables.

Your comments and tips

05 Mar 24, Jeri (USA - Zone 3b climate)
When can I start parsnips indoors for zone 3b? Or when to plant seeds outdoors? My season may be too short to start outdoors?
02 May 22, Glenn T Terrebonne (USA - Zone 9b climate)
We can grow parsnips thru the hot summer if we plant now in may
02 Mar 21, John Drake (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I have found that germinating the seeds first in a plastic tray with a lid works best for me, I place a paper towel on the bottom of the tray and dampen it with water and then sprinkle the parsnip seeds onto the paper towel. I then snap the lid on and leave the tray on top of the refrigerator where it will stay warm. I'll check on the moisture level every so often and before too long the root will appear. At that point is when I carefully lift the seed out with a spoon and plant in the prepared bed.
04 Mar 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Great idea - I will give it a try when it cools down next month.
01 Apr 19, Catherine Ingraham (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Can you sow parsnips in the fall,such as November, and harvest in the spring?
30 Sep 18, Gloria Yates (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Can I plant now in we nc 8b?
23 Sep 21, Hope (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Yes, that’s what I’m doing. I’ve been starting then indoors in a repurposed mushroom tray with minimal success in germination, but I’m going to presprout then as a previous commenter suggested.

fennel is in the Apiacea family. parsnip is from the Pastinaca family. There isn't any evidence that they can cross pollinate even though they are Umbelliferous plants. (flowers in umbels, like an umbrella). Trust this helps.

- John Mauger

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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